Travel to Rwanda with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Join Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund staff on an exclusive expedition to Rwanda. Trek mountain gorillas in the misty forest that is home to more than half of the almost 900 remaining mountain gorillas in the wild. Meet our staff and researchers working to continue Dian Fossey’s legacy at the Karisoke Research Center. Trek the little-known golden monkeys, in a beautiful bamboo forest. Take in lush landscapes of Rwanda and experience the warmth and strength of its people.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Kigali, Rwanda Arrive in Kigali, one of the most thriving and progressive capital cities in Africa.Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 2 – Kigali / Volcanoes National Park Visit the Kigali Memorial Centre, where a poignant exhibition recalls Rwanda's mid-1990s genocide and testifies to the country’s remarkable resilience. Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Enjoy a special visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the facility including the labs, research center, and special projects. Meet the staff and researchers who are carrying on Dian Fossey’s legacy.

Later, participate in an orientation and welcome reception, followed by an intimate dinner with a Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund researcher from the Karisoke Research Center.Overnight: Virunga Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Volcanoes National ParkSpend the day trekking mountain gorillas in the forested hills of Volcanoes National Park. Sit among these gentle giants, observing their interactions, listening to their distinctive grumbles, and viewing one of the planet’s most endangered creatures from an awe-inspiring, up-close perspective. In Volcanoes National Park, there are about 480 mountain gorillas of which 11 groups are monitored by Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center. Overnight: Virunga Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Volcanoes National Park Venture back into the jungle for an optional second morning of gorilla trekking. Alternatively, take an optional hike to Dian Fossey’s Memorial and the original site of the Karisoke Research Center, where Dian Fossey carried out mountain gorilla research for 18 years and is now buried near Digit, her favorite gorilla. Visit a local school supported by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and meet children in their classrooms. Enjoy a traditional Rwanda dance performance this evening.Overnight: Virunga Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Volcanoes National Park Spend a final morning trekking the endangered golden monkeys through the bamboo forest. Transfer to Kigali. Depart for Home.Overnight: Aloft (B, L)

Includes• Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Research Host• Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Membership • English-speaking Rwandan guides • Accommodation as indicated in itinerary • Bottled water at meals and in vehicles • Meals as indicated in itinerary (B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner) • One gorilla trekking permit and one golden monkey trekking permit as indicated in itinerary • Activities as indicated in itinerary (order of activities may vary depending on the days of the week) • Entrance fees to sites and National Parks as indicted in itinerary • Airport transfers • Ground transportation as indicated in itinerary

Does not include • International flights • International airport departure taxes (included in most international tickets) • Optional second day of gorilla trekking on Day 4 ($775) • Optional Dian Fossey Memorial hike on Day 4 ($125) • Meals not noted as included (discretionary)• Beverages (discretionary) • Travel insurance (discretionary) • Passport fees, visas, and visa photos as required • Phone calls, laundry, and other items of a personal nature (discretionary) • Tips and gratuities (discretionary – tipping guidelines will be provided prior to departure)

Responsible Tourism

We strive toward environmentally sustainable and culturally sensitive travel and work with partners who share our vision. We make every effort on each expedition to help the local populations we visit. We are committed to the preservation of the habitats in the remote regions explored by our trips. Our programs are designed to promote an understanding of these delicate ecosystems.

Experience Required

No experience is required, but in order to fully enjoy the trip’s activities, trip participants should be reasonably fit, in good health, and have a spirit of adventure. Gorilla trekking in thick jungle at elevations ranging up to 10,000 feet can be tough, arduous and wet, and often includes hiking over uneven terrain and through dense brush. Please be sure to wear a sturdy pair of hiking boots while gorilla tracking and expect to walk at least 3-5 miles. Please note that Rwandan law does not allow anyone under the age of 15 to participate in gorilla trekking. The law is strictly enforced for the safety of the gorillas.